November 19, 2014 6:53am ESTNovember 18, 2014 4:55pm ESTCricket, NewsFollow our live coverage and scores of the third one day international between Australia and South Africa at Manuka Oval in Canberra. Coverage starts on Wednesday November 19 from 2.00pm AEST

South Africa produced a gritty three-wicket win over the Australians in Perth to level the five-match series at 1-1. It looked like an easy canter for the Proteas in the second ODI as Morne Morkel’s five wickets helped destroy the Australians, dismissing them for just 154. A fired-up Proteas attack had the Aussies reeling at 5-92 although Mitch Marsh (67) and Matthew Wade (19) looked capable of turning the tables. But when Wade was dismissed – caught behind in a very dubious TV umpire decision– the Aussie innings crumbled as they lost their last five wickets for just 29. Given such a paltry target to defend, you’d have forgiven the Australian attack for throwing in the towel. But the bowlers took to the challenge with aplomb and Josh Hazlewood’s 5-31 gave the South Africans some anxious moments. But ultimately AB de Villiers' 48 helped them home for a nervy victory.

Things you need to know

They won’t call it the rotation policy but that’s pretty much exactly what Australia’s selectors are doing with the ODI squad. Mitchell Johnson is done for the series and will enjoy a well-deserved rest as Australian selectors have a look at Australia’s young pace guns in a final audition for the World Cup squad. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are both in the team now, although we imagine Cummins might get the nod for his first ODI on home soil, given his impressive bowling against the South Africans during the recent T20 series. If they’re looking for a World Cup death bowler, he may be the man.

Reason to watch

On Sunday it was the bowler’s show at the WACA as most batsmen withered under the assault. Only Mitch Marsh and AB de Villiers really made a mark. It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from the Canberra deck but curator Brad van Dam reckons it might be somewhat similar to the WACA with a fair degree of bounce. However, we still don’t think it’s going to be anywhere near as hostile as the Perth pitch, so we’re going to back some big scores happening here on Wednesday.

Reason to turn away

Movember moustaches. It may be for a great cause but when you chop a second ball onto your stumps – Glenn Maxwell we’re looking at you – you just look a serious goose with a handlebar moustache.

Say what

There was some confusion as to the message Cricket Australia wanted to send out in regards to Michael Clarke’s hamstring injury. Selector Rod Marsh all-but said the skipper would play in the first Test against India, saying: "He saw a guy this morning and I've never seen a happier doctor on our team.” Team manager Pat Howard, however, had a different take saying surgery was even on the cards for Clarke and he may miss all four Tests. Maybe these two should have picked up their phones and worked out a story!

Final instructions

We’ve never seen an ODI between two ICC Member sides played in Canberra this early in the summer and we have no idea how well prepared the pitch or outfield will be. Australia will be smarting from Sunday’s loss after producing a solid win in the first match last Friday. That result, however, was partly influenced by the South Africans missing some crucial chances. Yet, on Sunday, it was Australia’s turn to do just that as they slumped to a narrow three-wicket loss. Australia’s batting line-up looks to run quite deep, but the tendency to lose wickets in clumps is a major weakness for the Aussies, particularly against the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, who thrive on the momentum. Australia’s attack has also been pretty good so far this series, but it’s still relied on quality containment jobs from Mitchell Johnson. With Johnson rested, one imagines the South African bats will look to make a statement against Australia’s World Cup hopefuls. And, on what may be a helpful Canberra pitch we’re going to back the likes of AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis to get the job done.